One city contract remains elusive

Escondido's top administrator has yet to release agreement

In Vista, Geldert is allowed a total of 400 hours of accumulated leave — 10 weeks. She “shall not be removed” within 90 days of a change to the City Council or 90 days before or after a city election.

Geldert’s pay can’t go down unless it is lowered “in no greater percentage than the average reduction” for all department heads, her agreement states.

The city pays up to $2,000 for a “comprehensive physical exam” each year. And, “The City Council agrees that any criticism of a City Manager staff member shall be done privately through Geldert.”

Francke, the open-government advocate, said providing information is not enough to comply with state law.

“The Legislature decided many many years ago that Californians don’t have to take the government’s word for something that’s reflected in a document,” he said. “You don’t have to take the government’s word for something. You get to see where it’s written and how it’s written.”